Dogs are left to starve
Sanctuary boss admits horror catalogue of neglect
Dogs were left starving to death and diseased at a filthy animal santuary. Rescue boss Zara Brown was supposed to be caring for hounds at the Patna- based Ayrshire Ark dog shelter.
But instead of providing a safe and happy home she let eight pooches waste away in agony with painful infections. The 29- year- old admitted causing unnecessary suffering by failing to feed the dogs resulting in them becoming emaciated and malnourished.
Her lawyer submitted guilty pleas to nine charges on her behalf at Ayr Sheriff Court last week. Brown, of New Cottages, Patna, took in abused and homeless animals and put herself forward as their guardian angel.
They were kept in the squalid old St Xavier’s Primary School in the village, which turned into a hell hole for the pitiful creatures.
After an investigation the dogs were whisked away by the Scottish SPCA to a special animal shelter paid by the public purse.
Brown previously spoke out on the problem of animal abuse and posed as a competent and knowledgeable dog lover.
She previously set up a page pleading for cash to help her provide the kennels.
But the shelter exposed the dogs to shocking conditions forcing them to live in a dark hovel among faces, debris, urine, soiled bedding and building materials.
There was not enough light and clean resting areas. Animals lovers who follow a Facebook page seeking justice for the poor hounds have called for Brown to be sent to prison.
Skeldon Ashley said: “Good hope she goes to jail. She is a disgrace and shouldn’t be allowed near an animal.”
The terrible neglect took place between October and December. Despite their agony, Brown did not provide care and treatment for their conditions.
• Black terrier Clarkson became emaciated and lost muscle mass.
• Boxer Ace was suffering from wight loss and osteoarthritis.
• Boxer Kilo endured an ear infection and weight loss.
• Mongrel Luna had an eye condition, inflamed ears and feet and malnutrition.
• Boxer type Primo suffered from inflammation of the ears and feet and malnutrition.
• Mastiff Chief lost body weight and ended up with ulcers.
• Bull terrier Roxy got no treatment for a leg fracture, c h ronic lameness and malnutrition.
• Bull terrier Bruce lost muscle mass and had presure sores, lesions and malnutrition.
Sheriff Desmond Leslie has adjourned sentencing for the prepration of reports until August.